Cochinita pibil

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
¾cupAnnatto or Achiote paste
10Cloves garlic, chopped
cupOrange juice
Juice of 2 limes
8Bay leaves, crumbled
2teaspoonsCumin seeds
½teaspoonCinnamon
2teaspoonsGround thyme
1teaspoonDried oregano
1teaspoonSea salt
2teaspoonsFreshly ground black pepper
4poundsPork butt, cut into 2-inch
Chunks
1poundsBanana leaves, softened over
Low flame, or foil
2White onions, sliced 1/2inch
Thick
5Roma tomatoes, sliced
½Inch thick
4Anaheim chiles, roasted,
Peeled and sliced into
Strips

Directions

In a medium size bowl, mash together the achiote paste, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper with a fork. Add the pork, toss to evenly coat and marinate, at room temperature, at least 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Heat a dry castiron skillet over high heat. Char the onion until blackened on both sides. Char the tomatoes on both sides. Reserve.

Line a large baking dish with one layer of the banana leaves or foil.

Arrange the pork in an even layer and top with the onions, tomatoes and chiles and all the marinade. Cover with more banana leaves and wrap the dish tightly in foil. Bake for 21/2 hours or until the pork is tender and moist. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes. Unwrap and serve with pickled shallots.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

TOO HOT TAMALES SHOW #TH6284